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We age 30-something college pals are headed to St. John on 10/6 for one week of island bliss. Only one of the four couples going has been somewhere "tropical," so we're bigtime newbies. What activities, restaurants, etc. should we NOT miss while on St. John? Thanks much for any suggestions. Your recommendations are so appreciated!
The Freckled Girl & Her Friends Who Get Tan
That's pretty much an open ended question since we have no idea of what you like to do. We will rule out Disney or Six Flags theme since there are none (thank God) but you have beaches for relaxing, snorkeling for taking in the wildlife and numerous hiking trails for the adventurous or history buffs.
I highly recommend the book 'St. John Off the Beaten Track' (link in upper RH corner of this page) as it gives a complete account of what is there.
As far as restaurants, Cruz Bay has everything from 'over the counter' to white linen. Tage & Stone Terrace are very nice at the upper end and if you can afford that level Chateau Bordeaux offers a tremendous view. Coral Bay is more of an 'old island' appeal and is certainly worth the trip /experience.
Although Cruz has a variety of shops, STT is far superior. Plan a day trip to STT when cruise traffic is lowest. You can then visit the numerous shops in Charlotte Amalie and even take a visit to Coral World, which is as close to Disney as USVI gets.
Bottom line...there is something for everyone so do your homework now and get a plan together. I know you will have a great time and wish you had more time to take everything in. I know we did.
Don't miss ANYTHING! ; ) Just kidding. But I agree with Chris. Do some research as to what is most important for you to see and do-Snorkel, eat, swim, sunbathe, party. Then you can get the highlights. Waterlemon Cay for snorkeling. For swimming Francis and sunning. Have fun.
I've been organizing group trips to St. John for over 10 years now. The two most popular and most requested things to do by repeat travelers in my groups are:
1. Boat day
2. Friday night at Duffy's (start in St. Thomas, finish up in St. John).
Boat day is where we rent a boat from Nauti Nymph and visit Jost van Dyke (clear customs), snorkel/dive the Indians, visit the caves at Norman Island, and spend the remaining time at Willy T's. Willy T's is a barge anchored in The Bight at Norman Island. http://www.williamthornton.com/
Friday we catch the ferry over to St. Thomas. Eat dinner at Fungi's which is located at Point Pleasant. Head over to Duffy's in Red Hook and party until 11:45 p.m. At which time we catch the ferry back to St. John and head over to Duffy's in Cruz Bay. http://www.duffysloveshack.com/
Depending on your tastes and desire to party, your enjoyment mileage may vary.
Sounds like our trip last month.
I'd say:
Go to the Texas Coast and have the conch fritters. then go back again.
Enjoy some beaches and do some snorkeling (We did Trunk, Cinammon and Honeymoon)
Get out to Annaberg - It's pretty cool
If you want...head to Tortola on a heavy cruise ship (in STT) day. We did that and are happy because Tortola was a blast and because our quiet little island wasn't so that day. We got back as the jam-packed ferries were heading back to STT.
Enjoy Cruz Bay. It's a very cool little town. We really liked it. There's not too much to do but what there is is prety cool.
The Beach Bar
Duffy's
Buy cheap rum
Woody's looked like fun but we were often too hot or tired to wade into the masses
Most of all...don't do too much. I had all sorts of plans for things to do and we spent a lot of time at our house enjoying the warm pool and cool beer. There's plenty to keep you ocupied if that's what you "need" on a vacation. Before this trip, I used to need a lot of activities. Then I got to St John and realized that floating on a raft with a rum drink in my hand was a lot of fun too.
Snorkeling-definitely!!! Jumbie was the best.
If you are renting a jeep, take some time to drive from one end of the island to the other to get acclimated and see the absolutely jaw-dropping gorgeous scenery!
Annaberg ruins
Skinny Legs for burgers
The Feet and Fins guide rode "shotgun" with us and was invaluable! You probably won't see it all your first trip-did I say "first"? To be sure, you'll definitely want to come back!
Thanks, Chris, Jo-Ann, Richard, Rob, and Tarheelgirl for your suggestions. We've got a boat trip to the BVI planned, checking out Annaberg Plantation and petroglyphs, snorkeling, and a nice dinner at Chateau Bordeaux (happy 10th anniversary, Mosie & John!). Other than that, we'll be unwinding from our busy lives stateside with children... and missing them, too.
Regan, you're the greatest ;O)
Freckled Girl
Most important thing is get out and explore! for fine dining - tage or zozo's. if you are looking for a drink with a view go to Zozo's or Chateau Bordeaux during the day (Bordeaux has a great view during the day, at night not much too see unless it's a full moon)...
hit the Beach Bar or Pastory Gardens for a drink...woody's for happy hour...Duffy's on st john will be closed when you are visiting...
I am amazed how many people visit St John and don't leave their resort...get out and explore!!!!!
How do you know when the cruise ships will be in port? Do they only dock in St. Thomas or Cruz Bay as well (please say no).
We will be staying at the Westin on St. John Dec. 4-11. Significant other will be in meetings every morning until 12:30 (except for one day which we plan to take a boat to Virgin Gorda). S.I. plans to play golf one afternoon at Mahogony Run. Other than the ferry over to St. Thomas to play golf, we may go over there one other afternoon to shop (per S.I.'s request). Frankly, I can go shop there while he is in meetings. I really hate to waste an afternoon over on St. Thomas so he can shop. Like I don't know what he would even buy!! Okay, so here's my question....is it worth it to spend an entire afternoon shopping in St. Thomas or should we just try to hit some shops before we take the ferrry to St. John and also perhaps before we catch our plane home? Since we are there less than a week and his mornings are 'filled', I really wanted to utilize our time wisely. Thanks for your suggestions.
Worldshopper
The following site lists the cruise ship schedule. December schedule won't be posted until last few days of November.
https://www.vinow.com/general_usvi/getting_here/usvi_cruise_ship.php
If you are true to your title, I would plan on 1 full or perhaps 2 half days (while S.I. in meetings?). You might want to shop while he is golfing. You can always look at what is available before taking ferry to STJ and then determine if you want the shops or the beaches.
Shops, beaches, water, sun, rum...so many choices.
Thanks Chris. Should we decide to hit the shops after we fly in AND before we fly out; is there a place to store our luggage? I do enjoy shopping (like my name implies), but only if the items are a good value. I really don't know what to expect in terms of value. And yes, I could easily sneak off in the mornings before S.I. is out of his meetings because I do plan to do all of my Christmas shopping there. I'll have the time, but the valuable time he and I have together in the afternoons-just wasn't sure if I wanted to spend an afternoon shopping with him (like he wants to do). Since I can shop in the mornings, I didn't want to waste MY time shopping with him in the afternoon. Yes, I know I am being selfish. He is not much of a shopper or spender for that matter, so I don't know what he could possibly want to buy. Does this website have a list of all of the stores?
I am not aware of any place to store luggage. Islander?
Depending upon what you are shopping for, the quality is excellent and half the fun is bargaining between shops for the best price. From what I read, you should plan on 2 half days. Get there early (7:15 AM ferry out of Cruz) and do your damage while he is busy in meetings. Then get back to STJ and enjoy what that island has to offer. If he really wants to shop, get him to plan around his golf or settle for a few hours in Cruz bay with lunch or dinner included. Don't 'waste' a great deal of time shoppingwhen you have STJ at your doorstep.
PS
You'll be back.
Hello,
I don't remember which one but either the hospitality center or the tourism office in downtown Charlotte Amalie will store luggage for a couple hours. Will have to give them a call to confirm which it is and hours ect.
--Islander